The Lion King is a side-scrolling platformer where players control Simba through the events of the film as both a child and an adult. Young Simba defeats enemies by jumping on them and can use his roar to stun foes or solve puzzles, while adult Simba gains combat moves like scratching, biting, and throwing.

Simba has a limited number of lives, which are lost if he falls into pits, lava, or water, or is hit by rolling boulders or stalactites. The game features checkpoints, and Circle of Life icons provide extra continues. Players can collect various bugs that restore health, extend the roar meter, or harm Simba. Some hidden bugs unlock bonus levels as Timon and Pumbaa, where extra lives and continues can be earned.

Box is in German; game is in English.